This section contains documents that new and existing chapters will need in forming and maintaining their local Chapter. Check out this PDF for an explanation of the updated Texas Master Naturalist Documents.
Program Policies and Chapter Guidelines
Temporary Training Policy Changes (CY 2021)
Temporary Training Policy Changes (CY 2022)
Texas Master Naturalist Program Policies
All members of the Texas Master Naturalist Program will adhere to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct as established by the Texas Master Naturalist Program.
New Chapter Establishment
- Roadmap For New Chapter Establishment – This document will serve as a map for those interested in the formal process steps required to petition the State Program Coordinators for a new Texas Master Naturalist Chapter Charter.
- Local Coordinating Committee Volunteer Form
Existing Chapter Roadmap
- Roadmap for Existing Chapters – This document will serve as the roadmap for adoption of new Bylaws and Chapter Operating Handbook For Existing Chapters
Chapter Management and Operations Protocols
- NEW 2021 – Chapter Management and Operations Protocols – This document is intended to provide the minimal requirements for TMN Chapters and assist Chapters in initiating, developing and managing a local Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist Program. It is intended also to clarify and amplify articles of the Chapter Bylaws and to aid in developing a local Chapter Operating Handbook
- NEW 2021 – Process for Disciplining or Removing Members
Chapter Bylaws
- Chapter Bylaws – This state template must be used by all Master Naturalist Chapters to adopt and amend their Chapter’s Bylaws. Chapter Bylaws must be adopted and amended according to Article X, Adoption and Amendment of Bylaws.
- Chapter Bylaws Template-Word – A Word Doc version of the Chapter Bylaws.
Chapter Conflict of Interest
Chapter Operating Handbook
- Chapter Operating Handbook – This document is intended to assist the TMN Program Chartered Chapter in structuring its operational procedures and to provide insight into areas of flexibility to meet local Chapter circumstances, needs and resources. This document should be a one-stop resource for all members of the Chapter and should contain all day-to-day operational procedures and references in the Appendices. All local options, policies and procedures contained in the local Chapter Operating Handbook must meet the requirements of the approved and adopted Chapter Bylaws and the State Chapter Management Operations and Protocols.]
- Chapter Operating Handbook Template – Word Document– A Word Doc version of the Chapter Operating Handbook
- Data Retention Policy 12-2017 – The TMN Chapters Records Retention Policy was developed to ensure full legal compliance, the confidentiality of donors, accuracy and efficiency, and is to be a guide for Chapters to use as they develop their local policy based on their local needs and board strategies.
Criminal Background Check
All Texas Master Naturalist Members are required to have a criminal background check (CBC) when working on any approved project. For more information and forms, check out the information under the TMN Volunteer Background Check link below. Background checks are currently acceptable done through either agency’s pre-approved providers or either of the agencies’ background check systems.
- TMN Volunteer Background Check – for Background Checks processed through Texas A&M Youth Protection Standards Office (YPS)
- For Background Checks processed through Texas Parks & Wildlife via the Volunteer Management System (VMS), please refer to your local chapters VMS Admin or the VMS Admin Guide Document.
Texas Master Naturalist Program Insurance
- Insurance and Liability Protection 101 – This informational page will discuss the types of insurance policies and other liability protection offerings currently available for the statewide Texas Master Naturalist Program, the suggested insurance policies each chapter should research and those that individual Texas Master Naturalist volunteers may wish to research further on their own. This information is not intended to be legal advice, and chapters should consult with their own attorney if they have questions about specific laws or legal requirements.
State Program Overview
- Texas Master Naturalist Program Overview 2018 (PowerPoint)
- Texas Master Naturalist Program Overview 2018 (PDF)